Post by reenee11 on Sept 2, 2011 19:59:35 GMT -5

I just wanted to add that the table can not be opened all of the way. There is a piece of wood in the back that stops it when it is partially open, as seen in Sweet Repeat's picture. I was just surprised at this.

Post by ladoyle on Sept 4, 2011 10:23:45 GMT -5

Am I the only one who thinks the Parlor Desk should have a tufted seat? It looks very flat and uncomfortable!! Otherwise it is a darling piece. Wonder if that could be fixed by taking off the seat cushion it comes with and adding a new one? Does anyone who has a desk know if that could be accomplished?

Post by EofA on Sept 4, 2011 10:29:02 GMT -5

You could probably pry it off but if you put one in that was substantially fluffier you would run the risk of the doll not fitting in under the drop leaf. I think the flatness but the richness of the fabric was a way of compromising for practicality plus a more upholstered look.

Post by EofA on Sept 14, 2011 15:37:05 GMT -5

If you ever get to New Orleans, you will want to visit the Gallier House on Royal Street. This house was designed in 1857 by noted architect father-and son Galliers. The Galliers were quite wealthy, more so than the Reys would have been. Items in the Gallier house served as inspirations for creating the fictional Rey home, including Cécile's bed, Cochon's cage, her doll as illustrated, and the parlor.* In fact, in the Gallier parlor is this convertible Hedges or Metamorphic Desk which dates to 1854:

It was this desk that Cécile author Denise Lewis Patrick reportedly fell in love with and encouraged AG to produce for the collection. We're lucky that AG did so, as it's an incredibly distinctive piece of furniture and seems to intrigue even those not otherwise interested in Cécile and Marie-Grace.

Cécile is able to sit at the desk while wearing her crinoline, and the seat is deep enough that she does not slide off. The under side of the lip would have been leather when flipped over, but AG's version is wood and that's just fine.

No grade less than an A is possible. It's a great, quality piece.

ETA a few quick pictures showing the Parlor Desk with Rebecca's Settee. Strictly speaking, the settee isn't ornate enough for the era but the pieces sort of cry out to be paired together. While the woods don't match, they do complement one another and combine to create an elegant setting.

(Over-exposed settee, ugh, it's not really that pink).

* The house also supposedly served as inspiration for Lestat's townhouse in Anne Rice's novel Interview with the Vampire.

Post by Eurynome on Sept 15, 2011 8:06:54 GMT -5

The dimensions of the desk are 15" length x 9" wide x 8 1/2 " height. Just want to chime in here and say I think it's one of the best pieces of furniture AG has made. It's beautiful and so unique. To me, it's worth every penny of the $85 price tag. I give it an A+.

Post by auri on Nov 9, 2011 19:17:55 GMT -5

I don't have pics but I did just go and look at Cécile's desk next to Felicity's original wardrobe. The original wardrobe works beautifully with her writing desk, bed, and table and chairs so I figured that would be a good test. Cécile's desk is a little more redddish brown than Felicity's furniture but I wouldn't hesitate to put them in the same room. They'd work particularly well if you're going for a mid-to-late-19th century or 20th century setting where antiques have been passed down through a family.